Pakistan has welcomed the nomination of Senator John Kerry as the next US Secretary of State, with its top diplomat in Washington calling the seasoned lawmaker a "steadfast" friend of the country. "We welcome news of the nomination of Senator John F. Kerry as the next US Secretary of State. Senator Kerry is a man of towering stature and accomplishments, having served the United States with great vigour and distinction," Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Sherry Rehman said.